Sweet tree

These are some of my snow people, and the little cardboard houses given to me by my sister Sarah. She thought I needed a little group of houses like this to remind me of the village we had when we were children. That one – with its very tiny houses, mirror lakes, and porcelain skaters – was our mother’s when she was a child, and now it lives at our sister Ellen’s house.

These are the beautiful wool felt trees made by my crafty and talented sister Sarah. She was inspired by this pattern. I just love them!

This is the Koolhaas hat I made for my coworker C. It’s Malabrigo worsted merino in the Roanoke colorway. I used size 7 dpn’s and knit the pattern exactly as written. I had such fun knitting it, and it took me just a few days from start to finish. I hope it will keep C warm all winter.

Here’s a soft and cushy close-up.

I’ve also been working on a couple of top-secret last-minute Christmas projects. I photographed one before I sent it off, but I hope I remember to snap the other one!

So it’s coming on Christmas. At about this time last year I was in a deep, dark funk. I was tired, melancholy, and uninspired by the season that had always brought me joy and hope. This year, though, I’m more myself. Not quite the Santa’s elf I’ve been in years past, but my heart is in it, and I’m looking forward to what comes after we close up shop on Christmas Eve.

I’ve filled my little home with all the things that make me happy at this time of year – little bits of old and new that mean Christmas and Winter and Joy. My few shopping trips and a couple of knitting marathons mean that I have special gifts to give to the special people in my life, and there’s wrapping to be done.

On this evening I’m surrounded by my Christmas while I wait for news about my little mother’s latest hospital admission. What else can happen, we ask ourselves? She is in good hands, we’re not too worried, and both of my sisters and one of my brothers are there. My heart is a little tattered, but safe yet.

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21 thoughts on “Sweet tree”

Oh Jane, what a magical tree! I love it, I love it, and I love it. I think everybody should have a little village under their tree — a place where we can imagine life as it should be. Maybe not with gargantuan snowmen larger than houses, but, you know, *figuratively* speaking. Sending love and light from snowy Maine.

What a lovely tree – and the little village is fabulous! I’m thinking a Malabrigo hat must be divinely soft and warm – lucky C!I’m glad to hear that you’re doing so much better this year, and I hope your mom is ok…

I must agree — your tree is very sweet, and the little felted trees equally so. Love the Koolhaus — I must knit one in Malabrigo! Perfect project for that yarn.May your mother have a short and therapeutic hospitalization, and may you find peace during what might normally be a trying time.Merry Christmas!

Love the tree and as a child my grandmother had the same village – skaters and all – my parents scaled it down but we had pathways to all the buildings and a gate. I have dogs and cats under my tree – breathing decorations!Love the hat and I am definitely getting some Malabrigo for myself. It looks delicious. Might show up under the tree… Thoughts and prayers for your little mother. That was my story last Christmas with my father… sigh!I too am much more myself this year – have not done much in the way of shopping but that has never been a problem before!Rest and renew and enjoy the quiet time…

Your post totally wraps up in a nutshell what I have been feeling this year. Holiday spirit is alive and well here, yet a little *something* still seems to be missing. This post will be a catalyst for my own, I think.Wishing you the merriest!

Jane,Your tree is the loveliest one I’ve seen. The wee village! The trees! The snowmen! The smallness and the glow: divine. Enjoy the season! Will drop in the shop around New Year to see if I can catch you.love, Kay

You’re too sweet about the houses and the trees! What makes them special is how you’ve decorated with them. I’m a little too happy with the ones I kept for myself and can’t wait to get home to them after seeing your pics. Every thing is well enough with our little mother and getting better. Thanks to everyone for their good wishes.

Such a gorgeous tree! I just couldn’t get my act together this year to put one up. Oh, and I finally get to knit my husband something–he wants a Koolhaas hat now. My best to you and your mom. Merry Christmas!

Happy return of the light, Jane! Your tree and the village underneath are gorgeous, of course. I, too, snapped a pic of myself reflected in an ornament.I love our sistership, much much love to you as we plunge into solar 2008. May it be a wonderful year for you. Yes!

I hope that all is well with your Mother, Jane – and that the rest of the holiday season goes smoothly at your bookstore.Your tree is so sweet – and the snowpeople, homes and trees are wonderful!!I really need to try some of that Malabrigo yarn – your hat is gorgeous.Merry Christmas to you, dear Jane.

I like the Koolhaas hat! It looks so soft and warm. Your tree is lovely. The houses and the soft trees make it special. It’s good to hear you’re feeling better this Christmas. Sending good thoughts to you and your mother.

Beautiful little tree! The tiny village, and felted trees from your sister are so adorable underneath. I love the little trees, as everything is up at waist height so all can be seen. It took awhile this year but my Christmas Spirit finally arrived.Happy New Year, Jane!